SES warn Mid North Coast residents to be prepared ahead of Cyclone Oma

High tide levels are predicted and may cause issues in low lying coastal towns. 

Heavy seas are also predicted with waves around five metres along the north-east coastline with the most severe impacts expected in south-east Queensland and northern NSW. This will cause coastal erosion in some areas.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is currently monitoring the path of Cyclone Oma, which is currently located near Vanuatu and heading in a south-easterly direction.

A watch is on Lord Howe Island but regardless of the cyclone's impacts, coastal townships along the east coast will experienced higher than normal tides and heavy swells into the weekend.

Surf Life Saving NSW Duty Operations Officer Andrew Ugarte is warning everyone to stay safe and take caution.

“Friday and Saturday could see three-to-four metre swell with a 12-14 second period interval impacting the North Coast and Far North Coast beaches in particular. These conditions could stick around until the early part of next week," Mr Ugarte said.

“Tides aren’t large but an incoming tide on Saturday morning will be treacherous especially for fishers and boats crossing river bars.”

Conditions may force widespread beach closures.

“Please don’t take unnecessary risks. Don’t put yourselves or our volunteer surf lifesavers in danger. Together with the BOM, we issue these warnings in an effort to prevent further drownings."

SLSNSW advises it will be a dangerous weekend on coastal waters everywhere north of Ulladulla and caution everyone to be vigilant and safe.

Cyclones and tropical lows are extremely unpredictable in direction and intensity. They are known to bring heavy rain, dangerous winds and heavy seas. 

"NSW SES is already preparing in anticipation of possible severe weather. Members have been notified about availability and SES units are already checking their gear,” NSW SES acting Northern Zone commander, Mr Mark Somers said.

For further information go to www.bom.gov.au.